In the dead of winter, very few traditions help cope with the cold better than snuggling up by a fire, admiring a beautifully decorated Christmas Tree.

In the spirit of Christmas, this article will discuss Long Island’s evergreens at Christmas time from three angles: (1) Christmas past - The Long Island Pine Barrens, (2) Christmas Present - The environmental benefits of real trees and where to cut your own on Long Island and (3) Christmas future - How to recycle your Christmas tree.